Multiflora Rose

You recognize Multiflora Rose by its sprawling, climbing habit with arching branches covered in sturdy curved prickles, reaching 10 to 15 feet tall and wide. The compound pinnate foliage features 5 to 9 leaflets with distinctive feathered stipules at the base. In late spring (May to June), fragrant white flowers appear in large, conical clusters (panicles), each bloom small (about 2 centimeters across) but numerous. Bright red hips follow, ripening by late summer and persisting into fall, attractive to birds and small mammals. Native to Japan and Korea, this introduced species was brought to the United States in 1886 as a rootstock for cultivated roses and later promoted for erosion control and livestock fencing.

Multiflora Rose requires full sun and moist, well-drained soil with moderate fertility; it is highly adaptable to soil types and pH (4.5 to 8.5). Once established, it is vigorous and difficult to control; a large rhizomatous root mass makes removal challenging. The plant spreads by wind-dispersed seeds and vegetative runners, becoming invasive in many eastern U.S. states and classified as a noxious weed in some regions. You should monitor for extensive disease and pest pressures documented in the PNW, including rust, powdery mildew, black spot, and numerous insect hosts (rose aphid, spider mite, roseslug, rose sawfly). Maintenance is high; prune after flowering. Seed heads should be removed before ripening if control is desired; heavy mulching suppresses seedling germination.